The programme for the 8th World Summit explores and embraces the theme of Mobile Minds: Culture, Knowledge and Change. Over the days of the Summit, we will identify global drivers of change, the issues and opportunities that arise from these forces, and their impact on the arts and culture sector; we will explore how creative practices respond to change, converge with its possibilities, interrogate its direction and actively diverge from its trajectory; and we will look at how we - as an international community - make tangible change for the future.

In the spirit of change, to enhance dialogue we have also redesigned our session formats to be more participatory, to ensure the greatest possible contribution from the experts in our network (by which we mean you). This includes a Lepak session that will bring all delegates together to explore ideas of continuity, tension and change in a world café style format; a series of Future Crafting participatory workshops led by creative practitioners; as well as long tables and case study sessions. Delegates will also hear from leaders in the field, who will share their insights and provoke new ways of thinking about current issues.

We are very pleased to release information on the first group of speakers, panelists, presenters, provocateurs, facilitators and workshop leaders, and acknowledge the tremendous support of the IPAC members in shaping this programme.

So far, the diverse and international lineup includes:

Ashkan Fardost (Sweden), a technology and digitalisation expert who will interrogate what it means to be human in the digital age in a keynote provocation

Marion D’Cruz (Malaysia) a pioneering dancer-choreographer who will lead a participatory workshop in which delegates can explore how performance communicates ideas and narratives

Jesse Wente (Canada) an Ojibwe writer, broadcaster, producer and Director of the Indigenous Screen Office, Mauricio Delfin (Peru) a researcher and champion for open government of cultural sectors, and Dea Vidović (Croatia) Director of Kultura Nova Foundation who will lead a long table conversation on cultural citizenship and the governance of culture

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a bridge between continental and island Asia, and a gateway to the region. Its diverse cultural landscape includes three of Asia’s oldest civilisations - Malay, Chinese and Indian - as well as Indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak. Kuala Lumpur is a modern and vibrant city that balances contrasts between old and new, with Moorish styled buildings standing shoulder to shoulder with towering skyscrapers. Alongside recent social and political shifts in the country, such diversity and contrast make Malaysia a fitting setting in which to explore issues of culture, knowledge and change and deepen understanding of the region.

The Summit will open at the tropical Perdana Botanical Gardens, within the city’s Heritage Park and delegates will have the opportunity to explore local heritage, arts and culture through the cultural programme.

The Summit is all about the people. It brings together leading policy makers, researchers, managers and practitioners from the arts and culture sector from around the world to address critical issues and examine how governments, cultural organisations, creative practitioners, and citizens can – and do – work together to actively lead change. It is personal connections, partnerships and professional exchange that make this possible, and the Summit is a rare opportunity to meet new people with a shared vision and further strengthen your existing relationships.

We hope to count you among the people that contribute to these important conversations and drive positive change for our sector.